Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergency numbers
In emergencies, it’s crucial to have quick access to emergency services. In Brazil, emergency numbers are free and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These phone numbers are extremely useful for tourists in Brazil and can be dialed from any phone, including cell phones without credit or outside the carrier’s coverage area. Remember to provide clear and accurate information about your location and the nature of the emergency.
- Police: 190
- Fire Department: 193
- Ambulance (SAMU): 192
- Civil Defense: 199
Other important numbers
In addition to emergency numbers, there are other useful phone numbers for tourists in Brazil that may be necessary during your stay. These numbers are for non-emergency situations but may require official assistance or specific information. It’s advisable to save these contacts in your phone for easy access when needed.
- Federal Highway Police: 191
- Federal Police: 194
- Crime Stoppers: 181 (may vary depending on the state)
Services for tourists
Brazil offers various services dedicated to assisting tourists during their stay. These contacts can provide valuable information about tourist attractions, accommodations, transportation, and even assistance in specific situations. Don’t hesitate to use these resources to make your trip more enjoyable and safe.
Health services
Health is a primary concern during any trip. Brazil has specific health services that can be useful in various situations, from needing information about medications to toxicological emergencies. These numbers are available to ensure your well-being throughout your stay in the country.
- Toxicological Information Centers: 0800 722 6001
- Health Hotline: 136
Transportation services
Brazil has an extensive transportation network, including highways and airports. To ensure a smooth and well-informed journey, it’s important to have access to up-to-date information about road conditions and airport services. These are useful phone numbers for tourists in Brazil that offer valuable assistance for travelers using different means of transportation in the country.
- Highway Information: 0800 065 0300
- Infraero (airports): 0800 727 1234
Telecommunication services
During your stay in Brazil, you may need assistance related to telecommunication services. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) is the body responsible for regulating and supervising the sector in the country. If you face problems with telephone services, this contact is available to register complaints and provide guidance.
- Anatel (complaints about telephone services): 1331 or 1332
Embassies and consulates
During your trip to Brazil, you may need to contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. These diplomatic representations offer assistance in cases of emergency, loss of documents, or other situations that require official support from your country. To find the contact of your country’s embassy or consulate:
Visit the official website of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty): http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/
In the Embassies, Consulates, and Missions section, you’ll find a complete list of embassies and consulates.
Alternatively, you can directly consult the websites of embassies of some major countries:
- United States: https://br.usembassy.gov/pt/
- United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-brazil.pt
- Canada: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/brazil-bresil/
- Australia: https://brazil.embassy.gov.au/brasportuguese/home.html
- France: https://br.ambafrance.org/
- Germany: https://brasil.diplo.de/br-pt
- Japan: https://www.br.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_pt/index.html
It’s recommended to save the contact of your country’s embassy or consulate before traveling to Brazil.
In case of emergency outside office hours, many embassies offer a specific phone number for these situations. Check this information on the official website of your diplomatic representation.
Remember that consular services may vary depending on the country and the specific situation. It’s always advisable to check in advance which services are available and how to access them.
Safety tips
To ensure a smooth and pleasant trip through Brazil, it’s important, in addition to having useful phone numbers for tourists in Brazil, to be aware of some safety measures. Here are some essential tips:
- Always have cash on hand: You may need it in an emergency. ATM24h has ATMs in safe locations in major Brazilian cities.
- Stay vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy or tourist areas.
- Store your belongings carefully: Use bags with zippers and keep them closed. Avoid displaying valuable items in public.
- Use reliable transportation: Opt for official taxis, recognized transportation apps, or public transport at safe hours.
- Keep copies of documents: Make digital and physical copies of your important documents and store them separately.
- Use hotel safes: Store valuables and documents in the safe in your room or at the hotel reception.
- Learn about local areas: Ask hotel staff or tour guides about safe areas to visit.
- Beware of scams: Be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true offers or overly friendly people approaching you on the street.
- Keep vaccinations up to date: Make sure you have the recommended vaccinations for the region you’re visiting.
- Travel insurance: Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.
Useful apps
To facilitate your stay in Brazil, we recommend some apps that can be very useful during your trip:
- Google Translate: Offline translator that can help with communication.
- Maps.me or Google Maps (offline): Detailed maps of Brazil that work without internet.
- XE Currency: Currency converter to keep track of the Real exchange rate.
- Uber or 99: Reliable transportation apps in major cities.
- WhatsApp: Widely used in Brazil for communication.
- Booking.com or Airbnb: For last-minute accommodation bookings.
- TripAdvisor: Reviews of restaurants, attractions, and hotels.
- Duolingo: To learn some Portuguese before and during the trip.
- AccuWeather: Detailed weather forecast for Brazilian cities.
- iFood or Rappi: Popular food delivery apps in Brazil.
- Moovit: Information about public transportation in major cities.
- Onde Fui Roubado: Collaborative map indicating areas with higher crime rates.
- Kekanto: Tips on restaurants, bars, and local attractions.
- Câmbio Legal: Locates the nearest currency exchange offices with the best rates.
- SalvadorBus or SPTrans (specific to some cities): Information about local public transportation.
Remember to download these apps and, when possible, their offline data before your trip, to ensure you have access to them even without an internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the general emergency number in Brazil?
The general emergency number in Brazil is 190. This number connects directly to the Military Police and can be used to report any emergency situation.
How do I call an ambulance in Brazil?
To call an ambulance in Brazil, dial 192. This is the number for the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) and is available 24 hours a day.
What is the fire department number in Brazil?
The fire department number in Brazil is 193. Use this number to report fires, rescues, or other emergencies that require firefighter assistance.
Is there a number for tourist information?
Yes, the number 1520 provides tourist information in many Brazilian cities. However, availability may vary depending on the location.
How can I contact the Federal Police in Brazil?
The Federal Police number is 194. This number is useful for issues related to immigration, passports, or federal crimes.
Is there a number to report human rights violations?
Yes, Dial 100 is the channel for reporting human rights violations. The service is free, anonymous, and operates 24 hours a day.
What is the number for assistance in cases of violence against women?
The number 180 is the Women’s Assistance Center. It offers guidance and referral to specialized services for women in situations of violence.
How can I get information about highways and roads?
For information about federal highway conditions, call 191, which is the number for the Federal Highway Police.
Is there a number to report environmental crimes?
Yes, the number 0800 61 8080 is IBAMA’s hotline for reporting environmental crimes throughout the national territory.
How do I call my country’s embassy in Brazil?
Consult the website of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or search online for the specific number of your country’s embassy. Keep this number saved for emergencies.
